[Mini Vacation] Days 1 and 2

Monday, April 27, 2015

Last week we went on a little vacation adventure with my Dad and step-mom. We had had it planned for a while (it's so hard to coordinate schedules!) but it seemed like it would never get here. I was so excited when I flipped the calendar and saw the dates blocked off for a much needed VACATION. No joke. This trip couldn't have come at a better time. I was definitely in need of a break.

The past couple times that Grandma and Grandpa have come to visit, we have gone to Palm Springs. While we always have tons of fun in the sun there, I suggested we change it up and go somewhere that we could explore and not just swim all weekend. We ended up renting a VRBO (vacation rental by owner) in Watsonville, CA for a 5 day mini vacation.

Now if you look up Watsonville on a map, you will find that it is pretty much in the middle of no where. Yep, lots of nothing surrounding where we were staying. BUT our place was RIGHT on the beach so we got a gorgeous view of the ocean for a whole 5 days. Pretty awesome. Watsonville was also a pretty central location to our explorations, which was why my Dad picked that place to stay.

Day 1 started with us hitting the road around 7:30am on our way to Watsonville. We stopped for gas and then for breakfast - donuts and coffee - breakfast of road trip champions. Then we were off for our 6 hour trip up the coast to Watsonville.

from "get me out of this car!!!" to "let me help you Grandpa!"

We arrived around 4pm, unloaded, and hung out for a while before having dinner at the condo. Mason played with Grandma and Grandpa and then gave hugs and kisses to everyone and was off to bed in his big boy bed.

sleeping in his big boy bed aka bottom bunk of a bunk bed
(his first time in a REAL big boy bed)

Day 2 was when the fun started. We were on an adventure to ride on a steam train through the redwoods! And I have to admit. I think I was just as excited as Mason was.

We arrived about a half hour early and just let Mason run around and explore. It is 'off season' right now so not everything was open but we still had tons of fun checking out the place.

I'll let the pictures do the talking.


Wild West Seth and Ticket Taker Mason
so happy to be in jail! // standing on the covered wagon // hugging my leg

train backing up to the water tank // filling the engine with water



Day 2 was SO much fun!!!
Our vacation was off to a great start!




20 comments:

  1. Ooh the train ride looks like so much fun! And I'm so impressed with mason's skills at those cardboard cutouts! Not only is he looking and smiling but his head is in the right spot. Noah needs some practice ;). We were away this weekend too and from your Instagram pictures it looks like we picked some similar activities... I guess toddler boys like the same things :).

    ReplyDelete
  2. My moms wants to take the fam to nor cal for her birthday. And this has me ITCHING to go. It looks gorgeous and you guys look like your having a blast (despite a SIX hour car ride with a toddler).

    ReplyDelete
  3. 6 hours, that is right between not too long and omg are we there yet??
    A mini vacation sounds like the golden ticket! Love the cut out pics, so cute. I love those things. And the train! Redwoods like the big trees? That is a really neat train trip to take!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vacations are the best! It looks like you all had so much fun, especially on the train. I'd love to see the Redwoods one day. Did Mason sleep in the car at all on the way there? I don't think we could do 6 hours yet. 2 is about our max right now :) Looking forward to hearing about the rest!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like the perfect little getaway, especially for Mason! How fun!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LOVE VRBO! :) What a fun mini-vacation!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mini or not, all vacations are amazing! It looks fun so far and the last pic of u three is really good!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mini or not, all vacations are amazing! It looks fun so far and the last pic of u three is really good!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a blast! It looks like you had some much fun. I love renting from VRBO!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks like your beautiful family enjoyed such a fun vacation!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. That train place looks like a blast! I would definitely have lots of fun there too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. So much fun! Mac would love all the trains! Looks like Mason had a blast and loved having the grandparents around. Great trip!

    ReplyDelete
  13. How fun!! Can't wait to hear more! I can't wait until we vacation in California...some day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. The train through the Redwoods looks AWESOME!! We had the Redwoods on our bucket list, and this place looks perfect!
    Also, did you get that donut from Coffee Bean? I've never seen any donuts like that at any of the CBTL in our area. And now I basically need one.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ah!! How amazing is this?! I want to go someday!
    I'm soooo glad you guys were able to go and that the timing of this trip was just right for everyone! Sign me up, I NEED a vacation!!
    I can't wait for more details from your trip!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cant wait to read all about your trip! Still tickles me you were in my 'backyard' ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. OH how cool is that! A steam train and giant trees?! I love it! I love that you stayed some place and went out and exploring. Way more fun with a little one to keep them going! Can't wait to see more!
    ps yay for sleeping in a real big boy bed and I LOVE that you travel with your webcam :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. We've done quite a few VRBO vacays and most of them have been pretty nice. That train station looks so fun!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yay for vacations!! They’re so refreshing, right? Even just a couple days away from the “norm” is amazing (most of the time!). That iced coffee and bacon donut looks pretty darn awesome. And I love the pictures of Mason helping with the wagon thing! Such a big guy! A steam train through the redwoods? Holy awesomesauce batman! That is definitely something our family would love. What a fun day! I can’t wait to read about the rest of your trip! You three take the best family selfies! Seriously!

    ReplyDelete

I love your comments and I love connecting with my readers! I respond back via email so please make sure that your email is connected to your profile. Thanks for stopping by :)

DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS